Keeping the goal in sight

“It wasn’t that easy, but as long as you keep that goal in mind… well, look, here I am today.”

For Amiria Karekare, crossing the graduation stage was the reward for years of determination and balancing life’s many demands.

Amiria chose Massey University for its strong reputation and flexibility for distance learners. “One of the reasons I chose Massey was because it’s a very reputable university. They also made it so easy to study by distance.”

That flexibility proved invaluable. While studying online, Amiria was also working full-time, raising her family and embracing her role as a proud mum and nanny.

“It wasn’t that easy. But as long as you keep that goal in mind… well, look, here I am today.”

Like many distance students, she found that finding time to study alongside work and family commitments was her biggest challenge. Yet she says one of the greatest strengths of studying at Massey was the support she received from her lecturers.

She shares, “When you’re struggling, just reach out to your teachers. They’re amazing and have been so supportive. They’re very understanding, and when you need support, they’ll do everything they can to help you.”

Although Amiria credits much of her success to her own determination, she says believing in herself was just as important as staying organised.

“I’ve kind of just relied on my own inner strength to keep going.”

Graduation day was a moment to celebrate.

"My highlight is everything, the graduation itself and being able to walk across that stage. There were times when it became doubtful that I would make it here, so to be here today is definitely the highlight.”

For anyone considering studying while juggling work and family, Amiria hopes her story offers encouragement that it is possible with perseverance and by asking for help when it’s needed.

And she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Having completed her bachelor’s degree, she’ll be returning to Massey soon to begin a Master of Science in Psychology and continuing the journey she worked so hard to begin.